What to Expect During a Seawall Inspection

Ensuring the Longevity of Your Waterfront Property

Living by the water brings serenity and beauty but demands specific maintenance and protection measures. One crucial aspect of maintaining a waterfront property is ensuring the seawall is in good condition.

Seawalls are vital for protecting waterfront properties from the relentless forces of water. Whether you have a coastal property by the ocean, a lake, or a river, your seawall acts as a barrier against erosion, storm surges, flooding, and tidal fluctuations. Regular seawall inspections help identify potential problems early, preventing costly repairs and ensuring the seawall’s longevity.

What’s involved with the inspection process? Let’s walk through seawall inspections, common issues, and some maintenance tips to help you keep your property safe and secure.

Who Needs a Seawall?

For any property adjacent to a body of water, such as a river, canal, lake, bay, or ocean, a seawall is essential. Inspecting your property for signs or concerns of erosion or flooding during heavy rains or high tides can help determine the need for a seawall.

Do you need a seawall? A seawall inspector and a marine contractor can help you determine whether you need a seawall, what type may be best for your location, and how long your seawall will need to be. Take a look at your home or structure:

• Are you experiencing erosion?
• Do you experience flooding during heavy rains or high tide?

If the answer is yes to either of these questions, you should consider a professional seawall inspection and installing a high-quality seawall to protect your land and home.

What Happens During the Seawall Inspection Process?

A thorough seawall inspection involves several steps to ensure that every aspect of the structure is evaluated. Here’s a breakdown of the seawall inspection process:

Visual Inspection

The first step in a seawall inspection is a detailed visual assessment. Inspectors look for noticeable signs of damage, such as cracks, erosion, or rust stains. They also check structures for any signs of structural movement or tilting.

Checking for Erosion and Sinkholes

Erosion around the seawall and the formation of sinkholes are common issues. Inspectors will examine the land adjacent to the seawall for any signs of soil displacement or sinkholes, which can indicate underlying problems.

Evaluating Structural Components

Different types of seawalls—vinyl, wood, concrete, and riprap—have unique structural components. Inspectors will assess these components for wear and tear, including rebar, anchors, and panels. For instance, vinyl seawalls, known for their durability and resistance to rot, still require checks for UV damage and impact wear.

Assessing Water Levels and Drainage

Inspectors will observe water levels and drainage patterns around the seawall. Poor drainage can lead to increased pressure on the wall and the potential for seawall failure. Ensuring that water flows away from the wall is crucial.

Testing Stability and Strength

Inspectors might sometimes conduct tests to evaluate the seawall’s stability and strength. This can include load testing earth anchors or other structural elements to ensure they are holding up as expected.

Common Issues Found During Seawall Inspections

Promptly addressing problems discovered during a seawall inspection can save you from more extensive repairs in the future. Here are a few that might come up:

Cracks and Structural Damage

Cracks in concrete seawalls or breaks in vinyl or wooden panels are common. These cracks can allow water to seep in, leading to further deterioration. Prompt seawall repair of cracks is essential to maintaining structural integrity.

Corrosion and Rust

Metal seawall components like rebar and earth anchors are susceptible to corrosion and rust. Inspectors will check for rust stains and assess the condition of metal parts to ensure they are not weakening the seawall.

Erosion and Soil Loss

Erosion around the seawall can lead to soil loss, compromising the wall’s stability. This is particularly common with riprap seawalls. Regular maintenance and reinforcement can help mitigate this issue.

Vegetation Growth

While some vegetation can help stabilize the soil, excessive growth can cause damage. Roots can penetrate and weaken the seawall, and overgrown plants can obstruct drainage.

Infestations From Pests

Seawalls can be vulnerable to various pest infestations, which can compromise their integrity and effectiveness. Some common pests you may deal with are termites, marine borers, crustaceans and rodent burrowing, fungi, and fungi.

Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Seawall

Regular preventive maintenance and seawall repair are key to extending the life of your seawall. Here are some tips to keep your seawall in top condition:

Routine Inspections

Schedule regular seawall inspections, especially after severe weather events. Frequent checks can help catch problems early before they escalate.

Prompt Seawall Repair

Address any identified issues, such as cracks or soil erosion above, promptly. Delaying repairs can lead to more significant damage and higher repair costs.

Vegetation Management

Control vegetation growth around the seawall. Remove any plants that can cause damage and ensure the area is free from obstructions.

Erosion Control

Implement erosion control measures, such as adding riprap or reinforcing the wall with earth anchors. Proper drainage management can also help prevent erosion.

Use High-Quality Materials

When repairing or reinforcing your seawall, use high-quality materials. For instance, vinyl seawalls are known for their durability and low maintenance, making them an excellent choice for long-term protection.

Building Your Seawall with Quality Materials

The type of seawall appropriate for your property may depend on your location, soil type, and city or town ordinances. Seawalls can be constructed from rocks (known as riprap), pressure-treated lumber, concrete, and our personal favorite at Decks & Docks – vinyl sheet piling.

Wood seawalls are sometimes less expensive, but they’re not as long-lasting as vinyl seawalls or composite seawalls. Rip rap looks natural, allows vegetation to grow, and can be a home for marine creatures. Still, you can’t use it as an effective solution for all waterways (i.e., those that experience frequent flooding, strong waves, or require more stability or structure). Concrete is very strong and requires proper maintenance to avoid cracks that allow water to get into the wall and weaken the structural integrity.

Benefits of Vinyl Seawalls

Vinyl seawalls are popular for many waterfront properties due to their numerous benefits. Attractive and easy to maintain, vinyl seawalls can last up to 50 years. You can often see vinyl seawalls in municipal waterfront areas because, in addition to looking good, they are wallet-friendly.

Here are some reasons to consider vinyl for your seawall.

• Cost-Effective: Vinyl seawalls are easy to maintain and require little upkeep, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
• Rot-Resistant: Unlike wood, vinyl does not rot, making it ideal for saltwater environments.
• UV Protection: Vinyl seawalls resist UV damage, ensuring they remain strong and durable even under harsh sunlight.
• Durability: With a lifespan of up to 50 years, vinyl seawalls offer long-lasting protection against erosion and water damage.
• Easy Installation: Vinyl seawalls are lightweight and easy to install, reducing the need for heavy machinery and labor costs.

Decks & Docks can help guide you in your material selection, depending on the location of your seawall, and get you all the building supplies and hardware you’ll need for a strong and beautiful seawall that will protect your property for years to come.

Shop Seawall Materials From Decks & Docks

Seawall inspection services and routine maintenance are essential for protecting your waterfront property from erosion, flooding, and other water-related issues. Prompt repairs and the use of high-quality materials like vinyl can ensure your seawall remains strong and effective for years to come. 

For expert advice in marine construction, high-quality seawall materials, and professional services, contact Decks & Docks or visit one of our locations today. Our team loves helping customers build exceptional marine and decking projects, and we’ll get you everything you need for a professional seawall and its installation so you can enjoy the water without worry!